Mollie Raymond

Volunteer and Advocate for Military Spouses and Families

Service Member's Branch - Space Force

Service Member's Status - Retiree - 39 years

What has been your military spouse career/entrepreneur journey so far?

I met my husband when he was on his first duty assignment in Grand Forks and I was a Junior at the University of North Dakota. We married after I finished my Bachelor's Degree in Marketing. I then completed my MBA before our first PCS to Vandenberg AFB, CA. I had never moved before nor was I familiar with the military lifestyle. This transition was extremely difficult for me. I struggled to find employment while missing the support of family. Eventually I found a rewarding job only to move again in 6 months. Soon, we started a family and frequent moves. I chose to stay at home and found purpose in raising my family and supporting military families though various volunteer roles at Airmen's Attic, Thrift Shops, Base Chapels and as a Key Spouse. Helping to transition three children in and out of schools was a priority–each of them attended three high schools. While there were many challenges in this military life, I wouldn't trade it for the world. The people we've met and the experiences we've had have truly been a privilege. And finally, being present to witness the establishment of a brand new service towards the end of our military life was truly an unforgettable honor.

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Mollie Raymond and I have been an Air Force spouse for 33 years and a Space Force spouse for 3 years. Moving over 20 times was a challenge for maintaining employment, but I found purpose in raising three incredible young adults and volunteering on behalf of military families.

Tell us about a "typical" day in your professional life.

Today, as a retired military spouse, I have relished the opportunity to be available to family and friends while pursuing new volunteer opportunities.

If you've been stationed overseas, how did this affect your career and or business?

We have had the privilege to live in both England and Japan. I chose not to work during these assignments but consider them to be opportunities of a lifetime to experience new cultures, treasured friendships, and to travel.

What has been your biggest military spouse career struggle and how did you overcome it?

Moving...and to be truthful, I did not overcome it. As a "seasoned spouse"--opportunities like portable, remote positions did not exist for me. However, I feel today's spouses have more choices and support

What role did mentors and sponsors play in your journey?

My role models displayed courage, grace, genuine care and concern for others and involvement in the lives of those they were privileged to lead.

How did military life (PCSing, deployments, trainings, etc) factor into your career decisions?

Frequent moves became a road block for my career advancement.

What resources have you found to be useful in your career/entrepreneur journey?

Programs like Career Forward at Hiring our Heroes and the Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot Program.

If you and/or your spouse have transitioned from active duty to your current status, what resource or tool did you find to be the most helpful?

Talking to other retired spouses.

Final word: what are your top tips for other military spouses about navigating a career within the military lifestyle?

Seek out resources. Network when you can in your communities. Volunteer when faced with gaps. Don't give up. Try something new. Embrace change and the opportunities a life in the military affords you and your family. It may not always lead to the perfect career, but the people and experiences you'll have along the way will be equally fulfilling.

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